"Let the good times roll!"

Since Lily was about 6 months old, I've been taking her to ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) classes through our school district. They are fabulous! We play, sing, do crafts and chat with other moms (and sometimes dads!) with kids the same age as Lily. We also recognize it is straight up dorky. There are several of us moms that decided we would get together at each other's homes this summer, rather then take the 4 week summer class session. It has been a lot of fun- we talk, have some treats, and get to be a bit more laid back. And yet, we still like to be big nerds and sing together. We feel that the fact that we recognize our dorkiness makes it all okay. I figure it is only the beginning when it comes to ways I will embarrass Lily in her life. She's in trouble- I don't embarrass easily.

"Ring around the Rosie" is a favorite.

Parachute fun! I also highly encourage investing in a parachute- only fun in groups though.Lily wants just her and I to play with it sometimes and it's similar to folding sheets by yourself.

A few nights back Auntie Beth and Uncle Hector swung by- at 9:45. Lily was happy to play until 11PM when they left. Hector and I discussed Angels & Demons, an excellent read I just finished at Hector's suggestion, and Beth and Lily were able to enjoy some time coloring and solidifying their best friend status. We're going on vacation this weekend with my family, and I'm sure Lily will have a new favorite auntie (or uncle) each day.

BFFs

This week pool time was brought to us by the lady Carmie. We were able to head over to her pool for an afternoon of swimming fun. The clouds came and went, but the water was warm. Each day we attempt to either visit a pool or a park- often both. Summer rules!

Lily and Anna

Lily, Anna, Sam & Keegan. Don't worry, Sam can touch...just barely.

One evening Bjorn was blowing bubble for Lily and Anna, and it was amazing! I'm not a good enough photographer to capture how cool all those bubbles looked, but it was incredible. These are some of my favorite moments- just hanging around together in the driveway or yard. Hopefully our kids will feel the same way.

Bjorn was a regular bubble machine!

The girls attempting to pop the onslaught of bubbles.

I love the way a two year old looks at the world- magic!!

Beach Blanket Bingo

July is one of my favorite months. Nestled in the middle of summer, it tends to bring hot weather, fun times, good food and parades! This season we've watched 2 parades so far. On the 4th we were a little disappointed with Richfield's festivities- there was only one marching band! Pan'O'Prog always delivers though. If you are looking for a top-notch parade experience, Lakeville's Panorama of Progress is the finest you'll find in these here parts. Not to mention minidounuts 2nd only to TinyTim's at the State Fair.

Bjorn & Lily on the front of a firetruck.
Hanging on and with Auntie Erin on the 4th.

Sundays are spent at Papa & Grama's house! All of the aunties and uncles come over and have dinner together. Usually most of us spend the whole day there, especially in the summer. Due to my mom's recent skin cancer battle, we get a bit of flack for suntanning though. Lily receives the deluxe treatment from my favorite new product- spray on sunsceen. Not the goopy lotion kind either- this stuff goes on like Aqua Net. Putting a thick coat of it, and reapplying every hour, causes me to go through a can a week, but it is so worth it.

This week I was in the yard and looked over to see my mom and pop looking like this:

Are they: (a) stretching after an invigorating game of Balls O' Hanging ladder golf (b) inspecting the tree for Dutch Elm disease (c) discussing campers (d) figuring out if the birds circling above were eagles or buzzards.

Answer: (d)- conclusion was inconclusive, but aren't they cute?

Lily & Elliot passed out after binging on freezy pops.

Last week brought us to the beach for the first time this summer. Equipped with a sand and water station, as well as a kick-butt park, we stayed for hours of fun! An extra bonus- the water was not soupy green! We met some of our favorite pals and frolicked around/near the water. The sand was the best part though, and Lily was not above rolling in it like a cinnamon churro.

The only thing on the entire playground that was "risky"- the girls crossed it back and forth for 20 minutes straight.

This is about as deep as Lily went.

Tore up and loving it. (click on the picture for a close-up of the sandy face)

"Just try it on!"

To be fair, Becca sort of made me do it.
After following several blogs of people we've never met, I decided that it might be best to start recording a few thoughts of my own. I'm 94% sure that this will be read by about 5 people, but it just might be fun for Lily to look back at her dorky mom someday and have a few good chuckles...